Today we’d like to introduce you to JustHannah.
Hi JustHannah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in music started when I was a little baby – I was drawn to the piano immediately. By about 2 or 3 years old I would hear a song on the radio in the car and when home, figure out how to play the melody. After studying piano and flute for many years, I started taking guitar lessons when I was 12 after I had a dream I was playing on stage with my best friend.
By time I was 14 years old I started playing for the youth group in my church and that led to 12 years being apart of brilliant teams leading the music for a church of 700 hundred plus youth camps, kids camps and a few records with original music.
I moved to Texas when I was on the cusp of 25 years old after I fell in love with a banjo player who was moving to Central Texas from San Francisco. I made the bold move to follow along. I considered myself retired from music but found myself among a really neat group of musicians and artists – many of whom had been close friends with greats like Towns Van Zandt, Blaze Foley, Richard Dobson, Rick Dinsmore and more. They have shared their legacies with me and gave me the home and friendship I so needed. I started learning new songs and writing my own original music simply so I had something to play in the picking circles with friends.
One thing led to another and I was able to record an album with a Grammy award winning audio engineer, Bradley Hartman and began playing shows locally and even at the Saxon Pub a few times opening for the Patrons.
“JustHannah” started as a hobby – a place that was all my own to stretch me personally and musically and ensure that I “kept up my chops” after leaving the full time church world. After 10 years working in the silicon valley world, I was finally able to take JustHannah full time as of February 2024. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the continual encouragement from my close friends who genuinely enjoyed what I was doing. Their confidence helped to build my own and now I’m genuinely enjoying every piece of this work and know that I have finally found my place.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In regards to the music I’d say yes, it has been a smooth road. The personal struggles that led to the songs I wrote maybe not so much, but that’s oftentimes where great music is made. Life itself is never all too smooth and it’s all in how you, quite literally, rock and roll with the tide that makes the ride worthwhile. Right now I have to live very frugally and make tons of sacrifices to make this life work, but it’s absolutely worth it to me. It’s not for everyone that’s for sure. The way I see it is, I can always get another job and there’s no time like to present to just give it all I’ve got. This is what I know my soul has to do while I’m here so dangit, I’ll do it until I can’t.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter who plays primarily acoustic guitar and ukulele. I can also play piano, bass and drums, but these are mostly just for fun these days. I am known for a strong vocal that is both powerful and soothing and my catchy original tunes that are straight from the heart and make you feel something REAL. The Elgin Music Festival recently described my work as “raw, heartfelt songwriting with a soulful voice that cuts straight to the heart”.
I am most proud of the amount of songs I have written since moving to Texas in January 2018. I had written a small handful of songs in the past, and done some collaborative work, but I really truly believed I could do it on my own, and if I did, it was just an occasional fluke. I now have a little over 30 original songs that I am really proud of and am now in the process of bringing them to the digital world.
What sets me apart from others is that I am simply me. I’m not trying to be like anyone else and I’m not competing with anyone other than myself. I’m here doing what I do for my own self-development and because I feel like people gain something from the music I play – an insight, a spark of joy, an understanding, a tear in their eye. It’s worth it when even just one person resonates and that really is enough for me.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Trust that God and the Universe are guiding you right where you need to be! I honestly don’t try, but I follow my heart and my passion and when people stand out to me, push through your fears to say hello. Always be respectful and lead with honor. The best advice I could give is position yourself as a lifelong student. You can learn from anyone whether they are older or younger than you. Go to shows and meet the artist! So many are kind and want to share what they have learned. Attend open mics and best of all, a picking party.
Pricing:
- contact me for pricing
- available for private parties and venues
- justhannah,tx@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justhannah.live
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/justhannah.tx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justhannah.tx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehannahmac/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustHannah
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@justhannah.tx
Image Credits
summer pierce photography (black and white with ukulele)
